Newsreader Ranvir Singh to take top job at UCLan

David Taylor, Ranvir Singh, Richard Evans and Mike Thomas

She has been named as the new Chancellor of the  University of Central  Lancashire, where she learned her trade as a postgraduate journalism student.

The announcement was made by Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the University Board David Taylor as graduating students received their awards in front of proud parents during Monday afternoon’s ceremony at Preston Guild Hall.

The former Woodlands and Kirkham Grammar schools pupil is a UCLan Honorary Fellow and was at the ceremony to offer her congratulations to this year’s graduates.

She will take up her new UCLan post in the autumn when current Chancellor Sir Richard Evans steps down after 15 years.

She said: “I’m Preston born and bred, I studied for my postgraduate degree in journalism here and the experience helped to shape me and my career.

“I am honoured to be given this opportunity of helping inspire the next generation of talent coming through.

“ I have seen the university’s exciting £200 million Campus Masterplan proposals and the future looks very bright. I can’t wait to be part of it.”

Mr Taylor added: “Besides welcoming Ranvir we would also like to pay tribute to Sir Richard Evans who has been a distinguished chancellor since 2001. We are extremely grateful for all his hard work both at home and abroad where he has played a crucial role in the development of our international strategy and successful fund-raising initiatives.”

•Ranvir’s second series of Real Stories with Ranvir Singh returns to ITV on Thursday night at 7.30pm.